President Donald Trump took to Twitter on Monday to suggest a solution to the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, and many people quickly mocked and criticized him.

“So horrible to watch the massive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris,” Trump tweeted. “Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. Must act quickly!”


Professional firefighters reportedly called Trump’s suggestion impractical to say the least and potentially dangerous, as special planes used to put out forest fires could be risky in an urban location. Additionally, firefighters said, the force of the water could cause the structure to fall and possibly hurt first responders.

The French government’s civil defense agency tweeted a statement in English saying, “hundreds of firemen of the Paris Fire Brigade are doing everything they can to bring the terrible #NotreDame fire under control. All means are being used, except for water-bombing aircrafts which, if used, could lead to the collapse of the entire structure of the cathedral.”

Meanwhile, French newspaper Le Monde blasted the American president’s proposal as “impossible.”

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Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), a 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, also slammed Trump on Twitter, referencing his past advice for crises like his recent suggestion to change Boeing planes‘ branding strategy.

“How about this? Do your own damn job,” Swalwell wrote.

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